September 25, 2025 – Goleta, CA – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Monday, September 22, 2025, at approximately 5:48 a.m., Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call in the 6200-block of Avenida Gorrion. The victim reported that her partner, 41-year-old Patrick Kennedy, had threatened to kill her. Fearing for her safety, she fled from the home before contacting law enforcement.
Deputies arrived at the residence and attempted to contact Kennedy, who refused to come to the door and instead spoke to deputies through his Ring doorbell camera.
During their investigation and in the hours that followed, deputies learned that Kennedy had spent the night handling his firearms, then later walked around the neighborhood wearing a ski mask. They also discovered that Kennedy had made repeated and specific threats to kill the victim. In addition, deputies learned Kennedy had recently threatened a neighbor with a replica hand grenade and was known to keep loaded firearms both inside his home and in the glove box of his vehicle.
At approximately 1:00 p.m., Kennedy exited the home and was uncooperative with deputies but ultimately taken into custody. He was booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail for the following charges:
- Penal Code 245(a)(1): Assault by strangulation
- Penal Code 236: False imprisonment
- Penal Code 273.5: Domestic battery causing injury
- Penal Code 422: Criminal threats
- Penal Code 273a(a): Felony child endangerment
- Penal Code 417(a)(2): Brandishing a firearm
He is being held at the Main Jail with an enhanced bail of $500,000.
Later that afternoon, a judge authorized a search warrant for Kennedy’s residence to seize firearms and ammunition. Deputies served the warrant and confiscated 10 rifles, 1 shotgun, 4 pistols, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
This case reflects the painstaking investigation and thorough follow-up by deputies, which resulted in the safe arrest of a dangerous suspect and the removal of a large cache of firearms and ammunition from the community.
The Sheriff’s Office recognizes the courage it takes for survivors of domestic violence to come forward. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Survivors can call 911 in an emergency or reach out to Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) at (805) 564-3696 or Domestic Violence Solutions at (805) 964-5245 for confidential support and resources.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting survivors, holding offenders accountable, and ensuring the safety of our community.
Source & photos: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
